Created on Friday, 30 November 2012
Written by THE BELLEFONTAINE EXAMINER STAFF

Sidney Edward Proffitt, 73, of Bellefontaine, died Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, in the emergency room at Mary Rutan Hospital, following an extended illness.

He was born in Richland, Va., on Aug. 14, 1939, the second of 11 children to the late John and Pearl Thacker Proffitt. He also was preceded in death by a sister, Georgia “Peach” Nickelson.

On Jan. 23, 1994, he married the former Carolyn S. LeMaster and she survives, along with his daughters, Sindey (Sean) Baldwin of Marysville and Janey (fiancé, James Pulfer) Proffitt and James Pulfer, both of Kenton; five grandchildren, Derrick White, Bailey Baldwin, Destiny Proffitt, Brock Jolliff and Jonathan Seals; sisters, Ethel (Ron) Holcomb of California, Juanita Postlethwaite of Milford Center, Thelma (Buddy) Long of Arizona, Ruby Hoffine of Plain City and Caroline Salyers of Marysville; four brothers, Donald (Barb) Proffitt of Hawaii, Jack Proffitt of Illinois, Wayne (Terry) Proffitt of California and R.J. Proffitt of Delaware; three sisters-in-law, Donna (John) Adams of Richwood, Dotty Hutchins of Marion and Shelby (Terry) LeVan of Kenton; and many nieces and nephews.

A longtime mechanic, he was formerly employed with Eagle Mobile Repair and Tip Trucking.

He was an avid fisherman, spending many relaxing hours with his line in the water at Delaware State Park, and was a very capable woodworker having built many shelves, cabinets and other treasured pieces for family and friends.

He was “James Dean” cool, admired by many and was a hero to his family. He loved tinkering around the house and staying busy, but always took time to watch NASCAR and root for Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

More than anything, he was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a proud “PawPaw.”

A celebration of his life is from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at Mannasmith Funeral Home, Marysville. No formal service is planned and burial will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Union County Cancer Society.